The Hitchel children, Hope, Chance, and Lucky, are doomed to short, miserable lives under Lord Theron's control. When their mother and only comfort dies, they must live with their drunken, brutal father. Unable to endure the constant beatings, they dare think of escape. Except, no one escapes Clayhill. However, when they commit a hanging offense they have no choice but to run. Frightened and hunted, fleeing into the countryside only one of them survives.
Grief stricken and alone, Chance clings to Hope's last instructions. He wants to grow up strong and smart, to do it for Hope. However, as he turns from a boy into a man he discovers that he survived for a reason and it isn't the one Hope envisioned. Armed with experience and a special talent, Chance sets out to fulfill his purpose.